Disney's 'World of Color' gets a holiday hue

Nov. 15, 2013

Updated Nov. 19, 2013 11:02 a.m.

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Olaf, the snowman from the upcoming Disney animated film Frozen, is the host of the new production World of Color: Winter Dreams at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Fans wait for the debut of World of Color: Winter Dreams at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim Thursday night. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

Olaf, the snowman from the upcoming Disney animated film Frozen, is the host of the new production World of Color: Winter Dreams at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A 150-member "Virtual Honor Choir" sings as they are projected during the entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, during it's debut at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Fans pose for a photo to commemorate the debut of World of Color: Winter Dreams, at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim Thursday. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 11

An entirely new holiday production, World of Color: Winter Dreams, debuts at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Olaf, the snowman from the upcoming Disney animated film Frozen, is the host of the new production World of Color: Winter Dreams at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. KEVIN SULLIVAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Disney California Adventure is now offering guests “World of Color – Winter Dreams,” an attempt to turn Disneyland’s sister park into a full holiday destination as well.

The original version of the nighttime water-and-light show began in June 2010 in the main waterway of California Adventure with more than 1,200 programmable fountains that can shoot up to 200 feet and spray water screens that carry projections that stretch as big as a football field.

It was an instant hit.

But creators always had the vision that the water show would evolve. After more than 2,100 showings, the Disney crews unveiled its holiday spectacular on Thursday night to the media and special guests, including contest winners and some annual passholders. It is now open to general visitors.

“It’s surprising to see how different it is,” said Sayre Wiseman, a show producer.

“Winter Dreams” has new high-tech features.

In addition to the water effects, about 650 lights were mounted on the California Screamin’ roller coaster, serving as a backdrop that looks likes sparkling Christmas lights in the finale. Ten mirror balls were put on speaker and lighting towers. More than 17 million pixels are on the screen.

The show has new scenes, too:

• “Toy Story” characters perform scenes from “The Nutcracker.”

A “World of Color Honor Choir” was comprised of webcam submissions of people singing a new song, “Glow.” More than 500 voices representing 50 states can be heard, with many of their faces appearing inside projected snowflakes on water screens.

Holiday cards, submitted online by guests, appear on water screens as well.

• Other water screens will offer the classic scene of Bambi and Thumper ice skating, as well as scenes from “Frozen,” an animated movie set for a Nov. 27 release.

Disneyland has long offered holiday entertainment, including themed fireworks. But California Adventure had somewhat lagged until starting to add more holiday stuff last year, including decorations in Cars Land.

Steve Atherton, 33, of Huntington Beach, was among the contest winners who saw the show Thursday night. He said “World of Color” is his favorite thing to do at the park, and he estimated that he’s seen the original show 60 times.

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